Car Makers Have Lost It! What Drivers Really Want! Our Viewers Explain Why They Prefer Older Cars!

New car sales are plummeting. Automakers are shutting down factories and cutting production as fewer drivers are opting to upgrade their vehicles. But why? In this video, we’re diving deep into your comments & unpacking the main reasons people are avoiding new car purchases.

If manufacturers don’t start addressing these concerns, they might find themselves in even deeper trouble.

Why Are Drivers Avoiding EVs?
One of the most hotly debated topics in the comments is electric vehicles (EVs). Many drivers express outright disdain for EVs, comparing them to household appliances. But what’s behind this resistance? From range anxiety to high initial costs and depreciation, the objections are varied. We’ll explore these common complaints, separating fact from fiction.

Interestingly, while some objections stem from misinformation, others are deeply rooted in personal experiences. For those of you who support EVs, we want to hear from you. Share your insights and help us create a balanced discussion in future videos.

The Soaring Costs of New Cars
It’s no secret that buying a new car is getting more expensive. In 2014, the average new car price in the UK was £14,622. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s nearly doubled to £27,649. Add rising car tax, insurance premiums, and fuel prices, and it’s clear why drivers are sticking to their older vehicles.

For example, in 2014, taxing a fuel-efficient car cost around £28 annually. By 2024, that same car’s tax jumped to £190. Combine this with skyrocketing insurance premiums (up by £200 on average) and volatile fuel prices (reaching nearly £2 per liter in 2022), and it’s no wonder motorists are avoiding new car lots.

Tech Overload and Driver Frustrations
Modern cars are packed with gadgets, but are they making driving better? Lane assist, speed assist, and automatic braking are supposed to enhance safety, but many drivers feel these features overreach. They’re seen as “nanny devices” that interfere with control and make driving less enjoyable.

Infotainment systems also come under fire for their complexity. Adjusting basic settings like air conditioning now requires navigating multiple menus, and when these systems crash, cars can be unusable for days. Drivers are asking: why can’t we have simpler cars?

Privacy Concerns and Digital Dependency
Another growing concern is the constant connection of modern vehicles. Cars now log and transmit data about your speed, location, and driving habits back to manufacturers. While there’s little evidence of misuse, this level of surveillance feels invasive to many.

Additionally, the reliance on digital service records and connected systems makes car maintenance more complicated. When the 3G network was shut down in some regions, older connected cars lost critical functions, leaving their owners stranded.

Hybrids and the Middle Ground
Hybrids are often touted as a bridge between internal combustion engines (ICE) and EVs. While they promise impressive fuel economy, they’re not without their own set of problems. Battery issues, especially with infrequent use, and the high cost of maintenance deter some buyers.

What Drivers Really Want
Overwhelmingly, drivers just want cars that are reliable, affordable, and simple to maintain. They’re tired of unnecessary tech, high costs, and intrusive systems. Automakers need to prioritize these demands or risk alienating an already hesitant market.

Let’s hear your thoughts. Are you holding off on buying a new car? Why or why not? Drop your comments below—we want to feature your insights in an upcoming video.

If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and share it with others. It really helps us reach more drivers and continue these conversations. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next video!

#CarBuying #ElectricVehicles #AutoIndustry #CarTrends #NewCarPrices #CarOwnership #EVs #DriverInsights #AutomotiveNews #CarMaintenance
Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[zlatkosokolovic]

1. I do not want EV
2. I do not want SUV
3. I do not want flat screen TV on the dashboard
4. I do not want 10 speed automatic tranny
5. I do not want 1000 EURO lights on my car
I WANT SIMPLE, RELIABLE, AND OF COURSE AFFORDABLE, CAR, LETS SAY SIZE OF SKODA OCTAVIA OR SLIGHTLY BIGGER. Nothing more. Thanks.

[xuvlthn]

Cars are increasingly being designed by regulators rather than being designed based on what consumers actually want.

[Lightning]

The problem is politicians, car makers get punished if they give you affordable, simple, reliable machines.

[rod]

Once upon a time I was a car snob where I felt had to keep up with latest model. Last year I bought a 20 year old Freelander 1 for £900 and it’s fun to drive, easy to repair and total cost of ownership is low. I could never justify buying a new car. I also believe that keeping old car on the road is more environmentally friendly due to not scrapping it and replacing it.

My Freelander doesn’t beep at me, I don’t worry about parking it and getting dints or scratches.

In summary it was a no brainier buying cheap reliable car and using my money on nice holidays and over paying my mortgage instead.

[Monaco-]

The government blackmailing the manufacturers with fines for not selling their quota of Ev's is ridiculous !

[middleclassworkingman]

Good news. People are learning to fix older cars and want to genuinely reduce waste. EVs are like mobile phones on wheels. People are no longer buying new phones anymore. It’s a natural progression. I have no sympathy for car manufacturers who think they can manufacture cars like mobile phones where no true innovation is there to benefit its users.

[barriewilliams]

EVs are fine if they suit your needs, but trying to force people to buy them is a big problem and can actually be turning people off them. If they are so great, then surely people would buy them....

[michaelheadley]

There is a place for EVs, but only for people who actually want one, those ZEV mandates need to be get rid of now!!

[Maurizio.Barbara]

You are absolutely right on all the points in this video! Just renting a car is becoming a nightmare. As a driving instructor, focusing on road safety, I find that all the gadgets and nannying are very dangerous and intrusive, which defies the whole purpose of making cars safer. It's also taking away the fun of just driving and focusing on what's happening outside.

[MR_THINQ]

We all now know why the sale of older cars has gone trough the roof - we want dumb cars as they give us a better driving experience.

[dnpo]

I don't hate EVs... I just hate that they wamt to be forced upon us

[Beef_Supreeeme]

Can you imagine a less customer-friendly product than the modern car?

[Chris-hyjy]

My March 2024 Audi has speed warnings. Every time I get in the car I have to wait about 30 seconds for the entertainment system to boot up and then press about 5 on-screen buttons to disable all the driver "aids" and warning systems. I bloody hate it!! I'll be buying an older vehicle next.

[MB-mjxb]

Everything you said in this video is very much on point. Modern cars are too overstuffed with redundant electronics; far more points of failure than a more simple mechanical car, and far more difficult to fix/maintain when these things inevitably go wrong. Fundamental functions such as the park brake should NOT be electronic! Why do we need electronically controlled pushbutton start? Is it really that difficult to turn a key? Power seats...is it really that hard to pull a lever? etc etc. I'll be holding on to my car with manual transmission, mechanical handbrake, manually folding mirrors, manual seats, manual wipers, manual headlights, knobs and buttons instead of having to go through a million submenus to operate basic functions etc and safety systems like a full suite of airbags, ABS & stability control. It's got everything I need and nothing I don't.

[jondu-sud]

I think the reason Dacia is doing well is because they avoid the gadgets and nonsense that we dont really need

[darthvirago]

Older cars if you needed to replace a part you fitted the new one and went on your way. But now if you want to fit a headlamp, Door window motor, Battery, or other parts it has to be tuned into the computer. The truth is they don't want you working on your car. louis Rossmann has done lots of video's on the " right to repair" Were companies are stopping you or independent workshops fixing your car or other computer/household equipment.

[kevinpalmer]

Lane assist. How to teach people not to be able to drive in a straight line. Brilliant!

[JDM-Jack]

The scariest thing about EVs is that if something breaks, the costs easily exceed the car's worth.

[MyerShift]

Not a single manufacturer makes what i want and would buy. I'm not the only one. Good luck.

[MyerShift]

Get rid of the ridiculous emissions mandates and bring back RELIABLE diesels